Head Dental Nurse Elvetham Dental Care
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Qualified Head Dental Nurse to join our friendly mixed dental practice on a full-time basis.
This is an excellent opportunity for a confident and organised dental nurse looking to take on a senior leadership role within a supportive and professional team environment.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Practice Manager to maintain high clinical standards, oversee compliance procedures, support the nursing team, and ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.
Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience.
About the Role
As Head Dental Nurse, you will play a key role in maintaining compliance standards across the practice, supporting staff training, overseeing surgery organisation, and ensuring exceptional patient care is delivered at all times.
Alongside clinical nursing duties, you will also support reception and administrative tasks when required and act as a point of contact for the nursing team.
What We Are Looking ForEssential Requirements
- Qualified and GDC registered Dental Nurse
- Previous experience in a senior or lead nursing role preferred
- Strong knowledge of CQC, HTM 01-05, COSHH, cross infection and health & safety procedures
- Experience using SOE/Exact software including charting, treatment planning and note taking
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Ability to work efficiently within a busy team environment
- Professional appearance and positive attitude
- Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities
- Willingness to adapt and support all areas of the practice
Key ResponsibilitiesClinical & Nursing Duties
- Provide high-quality chairside nursing support to dentists, hygienists and therapists
- Maintain accurate clinical records and treatment notes
- Ensure surgeries are fully prepared, stocked and compliant
- Follow all decontamination and infection control procedures
- Assist with patient care and treatment coordination
- Support reception duties and patient communications when required
- Maintain laboratory work logs and coordinate incoming/outgoing cases
- Ensure safe handling and disposal of sharps, waste and hazardous materials
Compliance & Leadership Responsibilities
- Act as the practice Cross Infection Lead
- Assist the Practice Manager in maintaining full CQC compliance
- Oversee infection control procedures, audits and staff training
- Maintain COSHH, Legionella, emergency drugs and compliance logs
- Carry out weekly and monthly compliance checks and audits
- Ensure surgery checklists are completed correctly and audited regularly
- Monitor autoclave testing and pressure vessel compliance
- Maintain emergency drug kits, mercury kits and clinical fridge logs
- Support policy updates and implementation across the practice
- Report equipment failures and assist with surgery maintenance coordination
- Support and mentor the nursing team
- Liaise with clinicians and management regarding clinical standards and operational issues
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with Invisalign scanning and treatment coordination
- Follow up treatment plans with patients via telephone and email
- Maintain stock control and ordering systems
- Ensure clinical waste collections and segregation procedures are managed correctly
- Help coordinate surgery cover and nursing support throughout the day
What We Offer
- Supportive and friendly team environment
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Paid GDC registration
- Practice indemnity cover
- Paid CPR, safeguarding and cross infection training
- Hands-on support and mentoring
- Monthly team meetings and training sessions
Working Hours (43.5 hours per week)
Monday: 7:45am – 6:15pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 7:45am – 5:15pm
Friday: 7:45am – 5:15pm / 2:00pm
(2 Fridays per month finish at 2:00pm)
1 Saturday per month: 7:45am – 1:15pm
Job Type
Full-time
If you are an enthusiastic and proactive Dental Nurse looking to progress into a leadership role within a modern and supportive practice, we would love to hear from you
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
